Coffee With a Professor

Meet with a professor or graduate teaching assistant (TA) of your choice, and learn more about your course or area of study!

The Undergraduate Colleges understand the value of meeting with your professor and/or graduate teaching assistant (TA) during your tenure here at UC San Diego. The Coffee-with-a-Prof program allow you, the student to meet and have coffee with an esteemed faculty member or graduate teaching assistant in order to gather insight concerning a course or career opportunities in your field of study. This is a complimentary program provided by the Undergraduate Colleges.

Guidelines

Undergraduate students may participate in the Coffee-with-a-Prof program once per quarter for each program during the academic year. This program is unavailable through summer session.

New applications for the Coffee with a Prof program will resume starting Week 2 of Fall Quarter 2025

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate?
- Student eligibility: The program is open to all currently enrolled UC San Diego undergraduate students. If more than one student (up to 3 students) would like to join a meeting, that student must complete the application and pick up a separate voucher at their college.
- Faculty eligibility: The professor or graduate teaching assistant must be currently employed by the University. They cannot be staff, administrative advisors, or counselors.
Can multiple students take the same professor out to lunch or coffee together?
- Yes, students may coordinate up to 3 people per meeting. Each student must complete the application in order to obtain their own voucher from their respective college to participate.
Can I participate in the program more than once per academic year?
- Undergraduate students may participate once in the Coffee-with-a-Prof programs per quarter during the academic year. This program is not available through summer sessions.
Is there a deadline to register or use the voucher?
- Register using the online form by Week 5 of each quarter. Redeem your voucher by last Friday or the quarter.
What if I am not currently enrolled in a class with a professor or TA that I am interested in meeting — can I still invite them?
- Yes, the professor or TA must be currently employed by the university.
Something came up and I need to reschedule. What should I do?
- As long as you use the voucher before the end of the quarter, there is no issue. If you are not able to reschedule during the quarter, contact your College to make arrangements.
My voucher has been lost or stolen — can I get a replacement?
- No, we cannot give out replacement vouchers, as they are limited.
How should I decide at which location to get coffee?
- Ask your professor or TA if they have a preference and also select a location based on your comfort level.
My professor/TA and I can't meet anymore. What should I do with the voucher?
- If you're unable to use the voucher with your professor or TA, please return it to your College to allow another student the opportunity to use it.

Questions/ Concerns? Contact: warrendean@ucsd.edu

See what people are saying

"This was a great way to meet with my Professor outside of office hours! I'm grateful he was able to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with me. I definitely recommend Coffee-with-a-Prof to any student who wants to talk to his/her professor outside of the traditional, academic setting!" - Warren College Student

"The students see the 'coffee' as a way to ask for some face time with professors - otherwise, they may feel they're taking their time unfairly - I felt like I helped [the student I met with] quite a bit in the hour or so that we met."- UC San Diego Faculty